In a powerful national address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the strategic force behind Operation Sindoor, a decisive military response to the recent Pahalgam attack that took the lives of 26 innocent tourists. Speaking for the first time since the April 22 massacre, the Prime Minister vowed that India would not allow such brutality to go unanswered, emphasizing that the days of tolerating cross-border terrorism are over.
PM Modi made it unequivocally clear that India’s dialogue with Pakistan, if any, will solely revolve around two issues: the cessation of terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Anything outside this framework, he stated, is not on the table.
Referring to the Pahalgam killings as an assault on the country’s spirit, Modi stated, “Every terrorist that sets foot with intentions to hurt our people will be met with consequences. Every act of erasing the sindoor of our mothers and sisters will be avenged decisively.”
The Prime Minister praised the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary personnel, and the BSF for their courage and effectiveness in striking deep into terrorist infrastructure. He added that while Pakistan targeted India’s borders, India responded by hitting “where it hurts the most.”
“Operation Sindoor has redrawn the boundaries of India’s counter-terrorism policy,” Modi declared. “Our retaliation will be sharp, swift, and on our terms. There will be no tolerance for nuclear threats or blackmail. We will no longer separate state actors from non-state proxies when terrorism is state-sponsored.”
Drawing global attention to the funeral of known terrorists attended by senior Pakistani military officials, Modi pointed to this as undeniable evidence of Pakistan’s role in harboring and glorifying terror networks.
He went on to highlight the unmatched precision of India’s military strikes between May 6 and 7, stating that several terror hubs and training grounds across Pakistan, including long-notorious centres in Bahawalpur and Muridke, were reduced to rubble. “These locations were not just hideouts; they were global factories of extremism linked to international incidents like 9/11 and the London attacks,” he said.
According to Modi, over 100 top militants—many long active and operating with impunity—were eliminated in a matter of days. “They conspired against us for decades. In one determined strike, we erased them,” he said.
He also underscored the role of Indian-made weaponry in this operation, signaling the rise of self-reliant defense capabilities. “This is the era of Made-in-India military technology. Our innovations proved their might,” he said.
Modi emphasized that national unity across party lines and public support for the armed forces played a key role in empowering the mission. “This wasn’t just a military operation. It was the voice of a unified nation demanding justice.”
He revealed that after days of sustained assault, Pakistan—overwhelmed and unable to withstand India’s offensive—reached out to seek a ceasefire. This outreach came on May 10, after significant losses on their end and the destruction of several military and terrorist installations.
Despite agreeing to pause hostilities following Pakistan’s appeals and assurances, Modi stressed this is not the end. “This is merely an operational pause. We will closely watch Pakistan’s actions. The responsibility to maintain peace now lies with them,” he asserted.
He concluded by reiterating India’s firm stance: “Terror and diplomacy cannot coexist. Trade and terrorism cannot go hand in hand. And the waters of friendship cannot flow mixed with the blood of innocents.”
With Operation Sindoor, India has outlined a new playbook—one that promises a resolute, uncompromising stance against terrorism, backed by action, not words.